Ayeyarwady River Valley Between Chin Hills and Shan Plateau, Myanmar

The tan color of the Ayeyarwady Valley, where the majority of the population of Myanmar lives, contrasts with the green of the Chin Hills (left) and the Shan Plateau (right). The Ayeyarwady River is visible as a green, winding line in the center of the valley.

The Shan Plateau is the primary source of the nation’s sapphires, rubies and other gems. It averages about 3,000 feet in elevation, and is sparsely populated.

The Chin Hills, on the other hand, are also known as the Rakhine Yoma or Arakan Yoma Range. The highest peak is Khovumtung or Khonumthung (Mount Victoria) which reaches 3,053 meters (10,500 feet). The ecoregion has diverse forests that include pines, tea and teaks.